Canadian citizens entering the U.S.: what status, and what about the I-94?

Three benefits Canadian citizens enjoy

1. Visa-free short visits — B-1 (business), B-2 (tourism / family / medical) with just a valid Canadian passport, no B visa.
2. No I-94 fee — Canadian citizens are exempt from the $6 I-94 fee across categories.
3. Not part of VWP/ESTA — Canadians enter under a separate INA § 101(a)(15)(B) framework. No ESTA needed, no VWP 90-day cap, and none of the VWP restrictions on extension, COS, or AOS.

So is there an I-94 or not?

A common misconception: "no stamp = no I-94". Not accurate. In reality:

• Air arrivals (including YYZ/YVR preclearance): CBP creates a full electronic I-94, retrievable at i94.cbp.dhs.gov.
• Short land tourist crossings: historically no I-94 generated, treated as B-2 with a default 6-month authorization. In practice, CBP increasingly generates an electronic I-94 — especially with secondary inspection or longer declared stays.
• TN / L / H / E / F: always generated, and always critical.

Recommendation: any Canadian staying more than a few days, or entering for work/study/long-term visit, should check the CBP I-94 site after every entry.

How long can a Canadian B-1/B-2 visitor actually stay?

Up to 6 months, but never assume it's automatic:

• If an electronic I-94 was created, trust the Admit Until Date (may be 6 months, may be shorter).
• If no I-94 was created (common at land crossings), regulations default to 6 months from entry, measured against the entry stamp or travel evidence.
• Overstay consequences match other nationalities: unlawful presence starts, 3/10-year bars can trigger.

Three "no big deal" scenarios that bite Canadians

1. Frequent short crossings: CBP can decide you're actually residing in the U.S. and refuse entry or drastically shorten authorized stay.
2. Land entry then filing EOS/COS: USCIS wants an I-94 on record. If land entry didn't generate one, request CBP correction or use alternate evidence.
3. Canadian PR ≠ Canadian citizen: Permanent residents of Canada still travel on their passport nationality's visa or VWP/ESTA rules.

TN — the Canadian-only fast lane

TN (USMCA): Canadian citizens apply for TN status directly at the land port of entry with CBP (Mexican citizens need a TN visa from a consulate first).

• Bring: employer offer letter, position on the USMCA occupation list, credentials.
• I-94 COA reads TN, typically admitted for three years.
• TN is strictly nonimmigrant — pursuing a green card while in TN is high-risk and unlike H-1B.

Common misconceptions

• "Canadians leave no record" — CBP has a full electronic trail; just the passport isn't always stamped.
• "No printout = no I-94" — the electronic I-94 must be pulled from the CBP site.
• "Canadians can't overstay" — they can, with the same UP consequences and bars.
• "TN + green card process fine" — high risk. TN is a strict nonimmigrant category with no dual intent.

This site provides general information only. TN filings, messy land-entry records, and post-overstay reentry warrant an attorney.